College Comparison
Princeton University vs University of Virginia: Which is Better?
Side-by-side comparison of acceptance rates, SAT scores, tuition, earnings, and more — updated with the latest College Scorecard data.
School
Princeton University
Princeton, NJ
School
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, VA
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | Princeton | UVA |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 4.5%wins | 16.9% |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1500–1580wins | 1410–1530 |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 34–35wins | 32–34 |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $59,710 | $58,014wins |
| Avg Net Price | $10,555wins | $22,881 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $110,066wins | $86,863 |
| Graduation Rate | 97.1%wins | 95.3% |
| Retention Rate | 97.3% | 97.3%wins |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 5:1wins | 15:1 |
| Total Enrollment | 5,579 | 17,315wins |
Verdict
Based on the data above, Princeton edges out UVA on 7 of 10 measurable categories — including key factors like acceptance rate, earnings, and graduation rate. That said, the right choice depends heavily on your major, financial situation, and campus culture fit.
Princeton Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 4.5%
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1500–1580
- ✓ACT Range (25th–75th): 34–35
- ✓Avg Net Price: $10,555
UVA Strengths
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $58,014
- ✓Retention Rate: 97.3%
- ✓Total Enrollment: 17,315
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